Arts & Culture

Students interested in attending the Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) of Alexandria and Lorton, Va. can audition on Sun., Mar. 1 at MSA Lorton Campus at 9601 Ox Road. Auditions are required as part of the 2015-2016 academy registration. The MSA Academy audition is for performing arts students from 6th grade to 12th grade. Students should call 703-339-0444 ext.3 or visit www.metropolitanarts.org to register for an audition time.

The audition process will give prospective students an opportunity to demonstrate his or her skills in dance, music and theater for the chairs of the respective arts departments. Applicants must attend a live audition if they live within three geographical states of MSA. Prospective students living beyond the three-state radius may submit a DVD audition.

Ben Cherington and Kylie Levy of Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) Performing Arts Academy of Lorton, Va. and Alexandria, Va. were recently recognized for All-Star Cast by the Virginia Theatre Association Conference for their performances in INever Saw Another Butterfly. This was the first time Metropolitan School of the Arts had participated in the conference. Cherington, an 11th grader from Burke, Va., and Levy, a 10th grader from Fairfax, Va. are students at Metropolitan School of the Arts. For more information, go to www.metropolitanarts.org.

Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) also earned the 2014 Virginia Theatre Association Conference award for Best Costume Design and was recognized for Staging, as well as received an honorable mention for Best Play, I Never Saw Another Butterfly.

Design Army X Karla Colletto to debut their swimwear collection - Swim At Your Own Risk - on Friday, August 22 from 7-10 p.m. at Capitol Skyline Hotel

On the heels of judging the global 61st Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France as one of two US judges in the Design category, Pum Lefebure, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Design Army, just released her first swimwear collection, Swim At Your Own Risk, in collaboration with Karla Colletto. A capsule collection for Colletto’s Cruise 2015 line and Lefebure’s first venture into fashion design, the five-piece graphic swimsuits and beachwear debuted at the Miami Swim Show on July 19th.

FAME, the musical, is coming to the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Va., reminiscent of the popular 80s’ TV show that engaged young teens throughout the United States. Metropolitan Performing Arts Theatre (MPAT)’s ensemble cast will present on Aug. 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31st at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center, W-3 Theatre in Lorton, Va. Tickets are available online for $20 general admission at www.metro-theatre.org. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more by contacting the box office at (703) 584-2900.

“We’ve had a lot of fun preparing for FAME and we’re bringing out the best in our students, showcasing ‘triple-threat’ actors who shine in dance, singing and performance,” said Dan Stapula, artistic director of Metropolitan Performing Arts Theatre of Alexandria, Va. and Lorton, Va.

The annual BET Honors with the stunning host Actress Gabrielle Union again celebrated and showcased the achievements of African Americans with their version of what can be likened to the Kennedy Center Honors.

December 20th is considered to be National Sangria Day. It’s a day set aside to honor the great beverage that originated in Spain, yet appeals to people around the world. Sangria not only tastes great and pleases a crowd, but is easier to make than one may think. It’s also quite affordable!

“Many people in America are familiar with the concept of a spiked punch,” says Ryan Fichter, Executive Chef of Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge. “Sangria is like that, only better. It takes punch to a whole new, better level that people love.”